We’re Ready for New Census Date, Says NPC

The National Population Commission (NPC) in Anambra State has expressed its preparedness to deliver credible, reliable and acceptable 2023 Population and Housing Census despite its postponement by the federal government.

Federal Commissioner representing the state in the Commission, Chidi Ezeoke gave the assurance during a one day breakfast meeting with media executives in line with postponement of the exercise.

He expressed optimism of the announcement of a new date for the exercise by the new administration to ensure resources, energy and time so far committed would not be wasted.

“We’re laying the foundation in this forthcoming census being the first ever digital type in the country. We’re hoping the new government will take advantage of it for proper planning and development,” he said.

Anambra NPC Director, Dr. Joachin Ulasi, hinted that preparations for the headcount started since 2014, noting that the 21 Local Government Areas in the State had already been adequately demarcated for the success of the exercise.

Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu described postponement of the exercise as a welcome development.

He said insisting on holding the census as earlier scheduled would have resulted in stampede, saying its shift would afford NPC an opportunity to perfect the project to ensure a holistic and acceptable exercise.

He said: “I’m aware of the chains of meeting the Commission has had with the government, including an enlightenment campaign targeted at educating the public before the postponement was announced.

“But it’s a good thing it has to be suspended for the new administration because if they had done it at the twilight of the outgone administration, it would have been tantamount to a stampede, particularly in view of the importance of the exercise.

“Census is not something you do in a hurry. I believe when the Census will be held eventually, it will be holistic and done the way our counterparts hold theirs.

“All those targeted to benefit from the exercise will be captured and every sector will have a take-away. It will also offer the commission the opportunity to plan better and perfect the exercise.”